The Workshop on Fishery Processed Products (WPOP) is an annual program organized by the Student Association of Fishery Product Technology (HIMATEKHIKAN), particularly the Creative Economy Division. This initiative aims to provide training, understanding, and practical experience for the local community in developing value-added fishery-based products. The 2025 WPOP was held on July 15–16, 2025, in Kepetingan Hamlet, Sawohan Village, Buduran District, Sidoarjo Regency. The event attracted active participation from the local community, especially housewives, who enthusiastically took part in every session and gave positive feedback throughout the program.
The first day of the workshop, July 15, 2025, focused on demonstrations where participants observed the step-by-step process of transforming fishery resources into processed products. The session also included a presentation on digital marketing strategies, emphasizing how social media platforms can be used to promote and increase product sales. On the second day, July 16, 2025, participants were directly involved in hands-on processing activities. This practical session aimed to equip them with skills and experience that could later be developed into entrepreneurial opportunities, ultimately improving their household economy. Additionally, the participants learned about packaging techniques and actively participated in packaging their own processed products.
The featured product developed during the workshop was “Browndeng” — a dry milkfish brownie made from milkfish that is first turned into flour and then mixed into brownie batter, shaped creatively before baking. “Usually, milkfish is used as a savory dish. I just learned it can be made into brownies — I might try this recipe for Eid treats,” said one enthusiastic participant. The product not only introduced an innovative approach to processing milkfish but also inspired participants to explore new business opportunities in the culinary sector. Through this activity, the WPOP successfully combined creativity, local resources, and entrepreneurship education to promote sustainable community empowerment.
By transforming milkfish, a commonly available local commodity, into an innovative sweet product, WPOP demonstrated how academic initiatives can bridge knowledge from the university to society. The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), continues to encourage such community engagement activities as part of its commitment to education, research, and community service (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi). Programs like WPOP not only strengthen the connection between students and the community but also foster creativity, sustainability, and empowerment aligned with UNAIR’s mission to contribute to a fair and civilized Indonesia.
